Lionel Messi leads Inter Miami to MLS glory with 3-1 win over Vancouver

Lionel Messi delivered yet another historic moment in his illustrious career as Inter Miami clinched the Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup 2025 with a convincing 3-1 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Chase Stadium on Saturday. The win secured the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy for the first time in the club’s sixth season.

Inter Miami took an early lead in the eighth minute when Vancouver defender Edier Ocampo inadvertently deflected a Tadeo Allende cross into his own net. The first half ended 1-0 in favour of the Herons.

Vancouver fought back in the 60th minute as Ali Ahmed unleashed a powerful shot past Inter Miami goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo to level the score. But the Argentine maestro Messi quickly turned the game in Miami’s favour. In the 71st minute, he assisted Rodrigo De Paul for a brilliant goal, putting Inter Miami ahead 2-1. Messi then set up Tadeo Allende in stoppage time, allowing him to finish with a clinical strike in the 96th minute and seal the title for Miami.

Speaking after the match, Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano praised Messi’s dedication and influence throughout the tournament. “He was making a big effort in these last two, three, four games, which showed how important it is for him to win. I didn't tell him to do that, but it shows how special it is. He came here to win this trophy,” Mascherano said.

Mascherano also acknowledged Vancouver’s challenge, noting that the Whitecaps put Miami under heavy pressure in the early part of the second half. “We faced a very, very good team. In the second half, in the first 15 to 20 minutes, they put us under pressure. We were very lucky that the ball touched the two posts. But sometimes that's the luck you need to be champions,” he added.

With Messi’s brilliance at the core, Inter Miami’s MLS triumph marks a landmark achievement for the young club and reinforces the Argentine star’s enduring impact on the global football stage.